I also liked Ross's vocals since the beginning, although I understand that he has a very unique voice that not everyone will like. I actually thought his vocals were a bit weaker and cleaner sounding on Affinity than say on Visions or the Mountain though, not sure if it's because of production or the vocal lines themselves or he just decided to stay away from straining his voice too much. I haven't heard him do a really aggressive vocal part like on Drowning in the Flood since that album pretty much. Avoiding strain is a good idea though, especially live.